The letter stresses that credibility is essential in the fight against corruption, but that Juhász’s involvement in suspicion transactions calls his credibility into question.

The letter stresses that the success of a government heavily depends on the credibility of those who enforce its policy. Efficiency in countering corruption and its credibility essentially requires a high ethical standard for the nominators and nominees for high rank positions, TI adds.

Transparency International objected to the nomination of Tamás Vahl by the Bajnai government to the post of economy minister, because he was the former leader of a company that had been fined by the Pszáf. He did not get the position, Népszabadság adds.

Juhász told Népszabadság that he bought shares in property developer BIF on behalf of a client but his obligation as a lawyer to maintain client confidentiality means he cannot reveal the name. He did not buy the shares for himself, and the client paid the fine, he said.

Juhász added that he is not linked to any party, as he has worked for the 22nd District for 17 years, starting with a Free Democrat local council. Moreover, he was a member of the Communist party in 1981-89."

Source: Hungary Around the Clock.

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